Crimson Countdown: CB Stanvon Taylor

During the summer months, ESPN.com will take a closer look at each scholarship player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. Each day, we will analyze each player’s impact on the program since arriving on campus, his potential impact this fall, and his long-term projection. Starting with No. 1 Dominique Alexander, the series will follow the roster numerically through our final analysis of No. 98 Chuka Ndulue.

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Impact thus far: Taylor had an interesting freshman season. He began with a bang, starting the second game of his career against Tulsa when Aaron Colvin was out with an injury. He was solid against the Golden Hurricane, recording three of the four total tackles he had the whole season. He played in all 13 games as a key member of the special teams but never really forced himself into the lineup on defense, even with Colvin struggling with injuries.

Impact in 2014: A key role is there for the taking if Taylor wants it. OU is searching for a starter opposite Zack Sanchez, and Taylor is in the battle to earn first-team reps with the defense. It’s really up to him if he wants to seize the opportunity and become a key contributor or if he’s going to end up in a backup role for the second straight season. If he's not the starter, it won't be due to a lack of talent.

Long term upside: Taylor has the talent to be an all-conference type of performer. His ball skills and playmaking ability could help him become a key member of OU’s defense for the next three seasons.

Evaluation grade for Taylor: B. The Tulsa, Okla., native had a solid freshman season. He was a contributor who played in every game, something that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Development grade for Taylor: D. Since he was already a core member of the special teams, the Sooners could have given him a series with the No. 1 defense here or there to help speed the development process so Taylor was more game-tested and ready to become a starter if he does win the job during the preseason.

Quotable: “Stanvon is great. He’s a great athlete, and a really conscientious and hard-working guy who’s going to have a good career. He’s a bright guy and he works hard at it. He’s talented.” -- Coach Bob Stoops last fall.